Exocrine Pancreas

The exocrine pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine and provides a microenvironment for pancreatic islet cells that modulate blood glucose (among other functions). The exocrine pancreas is seldom a prominent target of acute or xenobiotic-induced toxicity in spite of several key observations: close proximity to the small intestine and potentially toxic ingesta; unique function in producing most digestive enzymes; proximity to the common bile duct, bile salts, and acids that could inappropriately activate digestive enzymes; and complexity of the organ, with prominent colocated endocrine and exocrine components. Epidemiologically, pancreatic injury has been associated with both a range of environmental pollutants and consumption of mycotoxins, and has long-standing links to alcoholism and smoking tobacco in humans.